Apple's new iPad is being criticized for lacking the capacity to run multiple third party applications at once, but the company has a variety of options to pursue in addressing the issue.

The iPad's iPhone OS arbitrarily limits third party apps from running in the background after the user closes the app. But this isn't because the iPhone OS "can't multitask," as the iPhone OS uses the same preemptively multitasking Mach/BSD kernel as Apple's desktop Mac OS X.

The iPhone OS is constantly running system processes that listen to the mobile network for incoming calls and texts, it runs an iPod process for playing back music all the time, it watches for background notifications being sent to idle apps, and there's a variety of other things always going on. This is the definition of multitasking.

Multitasking in the operating system

A single-tasking operating system, like the original 1984 Macintosh or the Palm OS line of PDAs, is simply incapable of running multiple concurrent applications due to design constraints.

In the mid 80s, Apple adapted the classic Mac OS to switch between apps to create a windowing environment that employed cooperative multitasking. In this model, various apps voluntarily relinquished control of the processor so that they could all appear to run at once.

The downside to this model is that an application that stopped responding could prevent other apps from sharing any processor time, effectively destroying the illusion of multitasking. Modern operating systems like Mac OS X designate a kernel task that preempts other applications so if they stop responding, the kernel can simply terminate them and other apps can continue to work.

Beyond multitasking

The iPhone OS inside the iPhone, iPod touch and the iPad is not only capable of this style of preemptive multitasking, but also employs multiprocessing, which allows different tasks to run concurrently on different processor cores.

For example, when playing back video, the iPhone can spin off the heavy lifting involved with decoding H.264 to a specialized video processor core while the main processor core continues to handle other tasks, such as listening for updates and maintaining the user interface.

Apple's secretive A4 processor in the iPad is actually a System on a Chip that incorporates multiple processor cores, each of which can handle simultaneous tasks.

Multitasking in a mobile environment

While there are certain benefits to being able to run multiple applications at once, there are also a series of reasons why Apple deliberately chose to use a security model in the iPhone OS that only allows one app to run at once.

The first is limited resources. Mobile devices have a finite amount of RAM and CPU power, so allowing multiple apps to be loaded and running all at once introduces new problems related to the mobile device's performance and battery life. It also increases the system's complexity, as users will now be forced to monitor and manage the processes running in the background.

Another problem relates to security. If apps aren't simply terminated by the user in a straightforward way as they are on the iPhone OS, users may not be aware they are still running. Background apps might provide a valuable service, but without any restrictions, they're also able to install spyware, viruses and other malicious software. That's simply not possible to do on the iPhone OS.

The multi-billion dollar malware problem on the PC desktop illustrates why unfettered software installation has both pros and cons. Even background services that seem harmless, such as Google's Latitude, can expose users to unapparent security threats if they don't have the security credentials to recognize the potential risks involved with, for example, advertising their location.

Exceptions to Apple's sandboxed-multitasking model

Apple's mobile-optimized security model in the iPhone OS makes more sense for most users than the desktop PC model that Microsoft shifted to mobile devices in Windows Mobile in terms of usability, simplicity, and performance. However, there are still issues Apple needs to address.

The first is one that Apple acknowledged after the development of iPhone 2.0: many apps want to stay open simply to listen for external updates such as news or incoming messages. Apple's notification service rolled this functionality into a system task, so the iPhone itself listens for updates and simply badges apps or delivers a notification message for users to act on.

Outside of notifications, there are other features related to multitasking that iPad users may want to see addressed. One is local background services such as Pandora radio. Apple's forthcoming iPhone OS 4.0 is anticipated to either allow users to select specific apps to run in the background, or roll those services into the system, or to enable specific background tasks.

This could allow apps like Pandora to begin a background task that continues even when the user quits the app. With the iPad's faster processor, the ability to run a limited number of background services might be less of an issue as it currently is on the iPhone.

State and main

Another approach to delivering multitasking-related functionality without opening a Pandora's Box of security and malware problems would be to enable the system to retain the state of currently running app so that users could very quickly switch between apps.

This would enhance the iPhone OS's existing, simple model of switching between apps without introducing a drain on the system's processor, memory, and battery life, as only one primary app would still ever be running at once.

Rolling additional services into the main system apps of iPhone 4.0 would also enable third party apps to tap into multitasking and background operations without actually defeating the iPhone OS' security model and introducing lots of new complexity for users to manage.

Dashboard widgets

Another avenue Apple can explore to deliver multitasking-style functionality without inhering the same problems of Microsoft's Windows Mobile and Google's Android is hinted at by the original Macintosh: desk accessory style widgets.

While it did not actually multitask between apps, the original 1984 Macintosh did enable users to run mini apps like a calculator or scrapbook in conjunction with their primary application.

The fact that the iPad was demonstrated without the iPhone's customary Stocks, Weather, and Calculator apps may be an indication that those apps have shifted on the iPad from being full screen utilities into desk accessory widgets that can be called up within other apps, such as Apple's own iWork.

The final release of the iPad will undoubtedly introduce additional features that weren't included in the initial presentation, just as the iPhone was released with features that weren't announced at its original introduction, including the ability to watch YouTube videos. Developers are already privy to a variety of iPad features that have not yet been publicly advertised by Apple.

This article could have been written in the 90's period. There is no excuse not to offer Multi Tasking for All Apps.

If this is they path MS Phone 7 chose to take they made a mistake.

60,000 Android devices being shipped each day (that is 60k per day in phone sales that Apple is losing)

That was the quote of the week that AI chose to not post.

You're confusing hype with reality. Sure, when a model first comes out it has to fill the channel, so "shipping" numbers sound impressive.

But Apple just had a quarter of selling 96,700 iPhones PER DAY, long after the initial luster of the iPhone 3GS wore off. Apple is also selling millions of iPod touch devices, and will be selling millions of iPads. That's a big platform.

And every Android phone sold is not a missing iPhone sale. Quite the opposite. Apple didn't begin selling all the smartphones in the world. It began selling the iPhone at the same time as Android. One is wildly successful, the other is wildly hyped.

Android is still struggling to find non-hobbyist developers. And Google knows Android apps are a dead end. It plans to kill Android and turn it into an HTML5 platform. Google isn't a platform developer, it's a web developer. It's not a hardware maker, it's an adware/spyware vendor. It's not going to revolutionize mobiles. It's going to dump a lot of money into killing any hope for Windows Mobile and end up begin about as successful using the same model.

Why don't people just jailbreak and download Backgrounder if it's so important?

It isn't very helpful on the old hardware but I'm guessing it works pretty well on the 3GS.

On the 3G there just isn't enough memory to do much. Just running Pandora and Safari, after about 5 or 10 minutes Safari chews up the available memory and Pandora shuts down. The way the OS prioritizes tasks makes it so the 3rd party app always gets axed first.

To an extent the manufacturer really needs to design the device with 3rd party multitasking in mind, or none of the hacks will do anything really compelling.

Edit:

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngusYoung

Because Apple may ban you now from your iTunes log in if you do. Do some research.

You're confusing hype with reality. Sure, when a model first comes out it has to fill the channel, so "shipping" numbers sound impressive.

But Apple just had a quarter of selling 96,700 iPhones PER DAY, long after the initial luster of the iPhone 3GS wore off. Apple is also selling millions of iPod touch devices, and will be selling millions of iPads. That's a big platform.

And every Android phone sold is not a missing iPhone sale. Quite the opposite. Apple didn't begin selling all the smartphones in the world. It began selling the iPhone at the same time as Android. One is wildly successful, the other is wildly hyped.

Android is still struggling to find non-hobbyist developers. And Google knows Android apps are a dead end. It plans to kill Android and turn it into an HTML5 platform. Google isn't a platform developer, it's a web developer. It's not a hardware maker, it's an adware/spyware vendor. It's not going to revolutionize mobiles. It's going to dump a lot of money into killing any hope for Windows Mobile and end up begin about as successful using the same model.

Android is just getting started. The iPhone is 3 years of the same stuff and the iPad (given the demo) so is the iPad (such a bad name).

Android today from an OS point of view is supieri or in almost every category.

I read a great posting today. The iPhone is like the pre-teen kids phone. Easy to use but can't do enough to hurt them. Android is for the mature smartphone user. Elegant, Intuitive and a work horse that you can still have fun with.

The article's feature table makes particular mention that voice/data can't be used at the same time using CDMA on the competing Smartphones, but conveniently doesn't mention that the iPhone doesn't even support CDMA.

It isn't very helpful on the old hardware but I'm guessing it works pretty well on the 3GS.

On the 3G there just isn't enough memory to do much. Just running Pandora and Safari, after about 5 or 10 minutes Safari chews up the available memory and Pandora shuts down. The way the OS prioritizes tasks makes it so the 3rd party app always gets axed first.

To an extent the manufacturer really needs to design the device with 3rd party multitasking in mind, or none of the hacks will do anything really compelling.

Edit:
And you can get cancer from eating steak, what is your point?

More excuses and by the way, Steak is great. I prefer a Filet. I'm getting both.
Battery, Multi Tasking, Business Phone and I can still have fun with it.

I think multitasking is coming, but an intelligent method that others smartphones will have to follow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngusYoung

Because unlike the 160k per day that are choosing Android. I have a contract with AT&T.
I have 1 more month. I won't wait foriPhone OS Promises 4.0.

Hopefully that means you'll no longer be posting your irrational vitriol here when I get back from vacation.

PS: Which Android smartphone is shipping with Flash 10.1?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALBIM

Why don't people just jailbreak and download Backgrounder if it's so important?

Many do and most that do aren't complaining that Apple isn't offering pointless multitasking anarchy to the non-technical users Ã* la Android and WebOS.

PS: Don't listen to AngusYoung's FUD about blocking your account. Only a few prominent iPhone hackers have had their App Store accounts blocked, they have not blocked the millions who are running jailbroken iPhones. Only chicken little rumours at this point, but Apple is going directly after those affecting the App Store security, not those jailbreaking. They are also trying to get jailbreaking a violation of the DMCA but you'll hear plenty about that well before it actually becomes law, if possible.

Dick Applebaum on whether the iPad is a personal computer: "BTW, I am posting this from my iPad pc while sitting on the throne... personal enough for you?"

More excuses and by the way, Steak is great. I prefer a Filet. I'm getting both.
Battery, Multi Tasking, Business Phone and I can still have fun with it.

Excuses? I was pointing out some reasons that Jailbreak+Backgrounder doesn't provide what some people might expect. I don't think that one can excuse some piece of hardware for being incapable of something

edit: to be more clear I am asserting that my particular phone (3G) is actually incapable of multitasking to any useful extent (apart from 1st party apps). I am not saying that is acceptable or unacceptable. It is what it is.

The article's feature table makes particular mention that voice/data can't be used at the same time using CDMA on the competing Smartphones, but conveniently doesn't mention that the iPhone doesn't even support CDMA.

How about some journalistic integrity, AppleInsider.

There are a few reasons for that. the row's question is regarding the device's ability to make a call and use the internet at the same time. Since the iPhone is only GSM-based then it can do this on every phone. Plus, it's well know that the iPhone isn't CDMA. If this was a non-tech site I'd understand your PoV here.

That thing that I'd point out is that the question doesn't qualify it as "Abiloty to use voice and data at once over a 3G mobile network". If you are on GPRS or EDGE you only get voice just like with CDMA-based networks that are EV-DO Rev. A and lower.

Dick Applebaum on whether the iPad is a personal computer: "BTW, I am posting this from my iPad pc while sitting on the throne... personal enough for you?"

edit: to be more clear I am asserting that my particular phone (3G) is actually incapable of multitasking to any useful extent (apart from 1st party apps). I am not saying that is acceptable or unacceptable. It is what it is.

To be accurate, it's not first party apps that can multitask as the many Apple made App Store apps won't run in the background. It's App Store apps can't multitask, regardless of the developer.

Dick Applebaum on whether the iPad is a personal computer: "BTW, I am posting this from my iPad pc while sitting on the throne... personal enough for you?"

60,000 Android devices being shipped each day (that is 60k per day in phone sales that Apple is losing)

Perhaps, but how about showing some cause and effect to support your implied assertion that Apple is losing those sales because of the lack of flash and multitasking as opposed to the fact that there are a lot of people who can't/won't switch to ATT?

Comparing iPhones sold on ATT to Android phones shipped to Verizon is apples-to-oranges. That more reflects people's choices of carriers than it does their choices of phones. Come back 6 months after ATT starts selling Android phones and look at the numbers then.

being unable able to switch back and forth between two apps without having to go to the iPhone home page in between each time, and without having to restart an app like a game each time, which takes time, is my one and only real gripe about the iPhone. as Dan notes, that is not true "multitasking," but as a practical matter i think it is all most people really need (and audio play-through, sure). i sure hope the 4.0 OS adds that ability. three clicks on the home button or something to swap to "last app" and pick up where you left off without delay.

Angus. I know you like to show boat yourself since i've been dead, but lets put that aside for the moment.

Can you list any practical examples that would require multitasking rather than Apple allowing certain services to be called upon?

HAHAHAHAA thats pure gold.

As for the examples id say he hasnt got any. Other than the pandora argument that EVERY hater uses... because EVERYONE wants pandora.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rokrad

Umm why are you here? It seems like you like to bash on Apple... Idk but that is the vibes I'm receiving from you.

He gets paid to troll forums like this to try and make people come to the dark side, as it were. When will these PR people get it through their heads that if we are on an Apple forum its because we like Apple and not because we want to talk about the latest google apps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by solipsism

PS: Don't listen to AngusYoung's FUD about blocking your account. Only a few prominent iPhone hackers have had their App Store accounts blocked, they have not blocked the millions who are running jailbroken iPhones. Only chicken little rumours at this point, but Apple is going directly after those affecting the App Store security, not those jailbreaking. They are also trying to get jailbreaking a violation of the DMCA but you'll hear plenty about that well before it actually becomes law, if possible.

Actually it was JUST 2 guys that had their accounts "suspended". If this had any legitimacy to the rumours, then why aren't people asking the basic question of "If these guys were Elite iPhone Jail-breakers then why are they using their primary accounts on a Jail-broken phone?"

Seems glaringly obvious to me that its MORE anti Apple hype designed to scare people away from the app store.

I personally don't miss "multitasking" for what i use my phone for day to day and if it was to be added in 4.0 then i just hope that it is added in a way like described in the article because i really don't want to have to open a task manager or reboot my phone every time an app hogs all the ram or crashes in the background.

This is what Apple does not want the iPhone user to have to deal with.

With limited memory available, especially on the Pixi models and the non-Plus Pre, apps with memory leaks can very quickly overwhelm the device and make it all slow and sluggish. If you can manage to go for several days without being forced to reset, you may notice that it just keeps getting slower and slower.

Thankfully, homebrew developer zinge has come to our rescue with the Reboot Scheduler app. Its pretty straightforward: you set a time every day for the phone to completely restart (I picked 3:00 am so it wont happen when I might be using the phone). This is a complete shutdown/restart, so everything starts all fresh and chipper when the phone is finished rebooting.

being unable able to switch back and forth between two apps without having to go to the iPhone home page in between each time, and without having to restart an app like a game each time, which takes time, is my one and only real gripe about the iPhone. as Dan notes, that is not true "multitasking," but as a practical matter i think it is all most people really need (and audio play-through, sure). i sure hope the 4.0 OS adds that ability. three clicks on the home button or something to swap to "last app" and pick up where you left off without delay.

It is fairly easy to "save state" in an app at appropriate points (after data entry, file updates, switch to a different tab, drill-down, etc). Having saved state, it is also fairly easy to "restore state" to the last completed action/display. So, a well-written app can be easily restarted and resume where the user left off. If it is a high-use or critical app, the user would likely make its icon available in the bottom row so the app could be [re]invoked with two taps: home; app icon.

That said, there are some things that Apple could/should do to make it easier for developers to save/restore state in a standard way... this would facilitate fast task switching and give most of the benefits of multitasking with little overhead.

^

"Swift generally gets you to the right way much quicker." - auxio -

"The perfect [birth]day -- A little playtime, a good poop, and a long nap." - Tomato Greeting Cards -

This is what Apple does not want the iPhone user to have to deal with.

With limited memory available, especially on the Pixi models and the non-Plus Pre, apps with memory leaks can very quickly overwhelm the device and make it all slow and sluggish. If you can manage to go for several days without being forced to reset, you may notice that it just keeps getting slower and slower.

Thankfully, homebrew developer zinge has come to our rescue with the Reboot Scheduler app. Its pretty straightforward: you set a time every day for the phone to completely restart (I picked 3:00 am so it wont happen when I might be using the phone). This is a complete shutdown/restart, so everything starts all fresh and chipper when the phone is finished rebooting.

Give me a break. The iPhone has almost the same specs (with a larger hard drive) than my 10-year old Dell and that could multitask. Apple could very well develop a better system than the Pre for memory management.

This idea that their is not enough memory or battery life is garbage. It has already been shown in tests that, with a jailbroken 3GS, someone could have 5 apps running in the background with no noticeable lag. It can run with lag 10-12 apps (some games included) in the background. Check out the justanotheriphoneblog's testing of Multifl0w. If you are running something like iStat on your 3GS, check out the memory usage. You will find that you are using very little of the 256MB of RAM it has.

The next-gen iPhone is bound to have similar specs to the Nexus One which would have a 1.0Ghz dual-core processor with 512mb of RAM. This would make the situation even more ridiculous. I'd like to hear Apple's excuse this year for not having multitasking. One would have to believe that the whole reason that they've developed their own chips is for better battery life considering the A4's clock speed is the same as the Nexus One. Battery can no longer be an excuse.

This is as silly as the days of the iphone lacking copy and paste. Despite C&P being one of the most essential established features of computing, there were hordes defending its exclusion prior to OS3. (On a related note they also defended Apple's lack of a netbook by pointing out how full featured the iPhone was). Now it's in and it seems like a no brainer in hindsight. You may not need it all the time but when you do, it's lifesaver.

No multitasking on iPhone is bad enough but on the iPad it's a joke. Maybe you're writing a paper in iWork and you need to look something up in Safari. Simply save your work, close iWork, flip over a few screens to Safari, open it, wait for the page to load, close Safari, scroll back to the screen with iWork, reopen it, and load your document again. What could be simpler!

I also find it amusing that this is a tech forum where the majority of the members are very computer savvy, yet rabidly defend glaring omissions on the account that it's justified because it would be too confusing for suburban soccer moms.

Can you list any practical examples that would require multitasking rather than Apple allowing certain services to be called upon?

I've got a couple:

Skype. It's an integral part of my daily workflows and communications at work, and I also use it home.

Spotify. We don't have pandora here, but we do have spotify

(actually, any audio or radio app that isn't the ipod application)

Also, many applications would work better. Take IM - if you are doing something else today, you'll get a notification. Good. But seeing it and replying requires you to quit your current application (and lose state...), start the IM app (slow) and then start the original application again.

The iphones today are more powerful than a computer just a couple of years back, so they certainly can handle multitasking paradigms that have been in use on lesser hardware for decades. The biggest concerns would be battery life and security - that something can't run in the background "below the radar".

Android is just getting started. The iPhone is 3 years of the same stuff and the iPad (given the demo) so is the iPad (such a bad name).

Android today from an OS point of view is supieri or in almost every category.

I read a great posting today. The iPhone is like the pre-teen kids phone. Easy to use but can't do enough to hurt them. Android is for the mature smartphone user. Elegant, Intuitive and a work horse that you can still have fun with.

This is your opinion. It doesn't make it correct. Android has lots of problems. In a couple of years, every manufacturer will have its own version that will only be partly compatible with the others. It's been happening already. Google has already sent out a notice on how to program for the different versions, and as you said, Android is just getting started.